Laser Optical Axis Alignment Using Multi-Point Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for adjusting the optical axis of laser light in laser processing apparatuses are inadequate in accurately detecting changes in the laser light state and maintaining the quality of laser processing, as they fail to accurately grasp the incident position and angle of the laser light on optical elements and do not effectively monitor optical axis deviations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize position sensitive detectors at multiple detection positions on the optical path to detect changes in the laser light and adjust the position and angle of optical elements, ensuring accurate alignment and maintaining the quality of laser processing by limiting the optical axis to a single position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single position sensitive detector is used to detect laser light at one detection position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of laser light state changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple position sensitive detectors arranged at different detection positions on the optical path. Each detector monitors laser light at a specific location, and the control unit integrates information from all detectors to comprehensively determine optical axis deviation, enabling precise detection of laser light state changes while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular detection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection approach transitions from a single-point detection to multi-point detection along the optical path, adding the dimension of spatial distribution to the measurement system. By detecting laser light at multiple positions (upstream, downstream, and intermediate points), the system captures comprehensive information about optical axis deviations and beam profile changes that cannot be obtained from a single detection point.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detection positions are used to accurately detect laser light position, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each position sensitive detector serves multiple functions: it detects the position of laser light at its specific detection point, provides information about optical axis deviation, and contributes to monitoring beam profile changes. The control unit universally processes signals from all detectors using the same evaluation algorithm, making the multi-detector system functionally integrated rather than a collection of separate measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives and integrates signals from multiple position sensitive detectors. It processes the detection results from different positions along the optical path, evaluates optical axis deviations comprehensively, and generates unified adjustment instructions, thereby managing the complexity of coordinating multiple detectors through a centralized control mechanism.
3Device complexity
If the beam position is detected at the processing point only, then the detection system is simplified, but the reliability of laser processing quality control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of laser light position at multiple points along the optical path before the light reaches the processing point. By detecting beam position and evaluating optical axis alignment upstream and at intermediate positions, the system can identify and correct deviations before they affect processing quality, ensuring reliable laser processing through preventive monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously receives feedback from position sensitive detectors at multiple detection positions and uses this information to determine the state of laser light and adjust optical elements accordingly. This multi-point feedback mechanism provides comprehensive information about optical axis deviations and beam profile changes, enabling reliable quality control through continuous monitoring and adjustment based on distributed sensor data.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for precise adjustment of the optical axis, ensuring consistent beam profile and quality of laser processing by accurately detecting and correcting deviations in the laser light's position and angle, thereby maintaining the quality of the processing results.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of position sensitive detectors respectively arranged at positions after the laser light has passed through a pair of half mirrors
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and a device for adjusting an optical axis of laser light, capable of accurately grasping change in the state of the laser light and maintaining the quality of laser processing. The method for adjusting an optical axis of laser light includes: a step of detecting a position of laser light by position sensitive detectors arranged at two or more detection positions on an optical path of the laser light that is output from a laser light source toward a workpiece; and a step of adjusting, based on the detected position of the laser light, at least one of a position and an angle of optical elements arranged at two or more positions on the optical path of the laser light, to adjust an optical axis of the laser light.